GEAPP is a multi-sector alliance created in 2021 to address one of the defining challenges of our time — ending energy poverty and tackling the climate crisis through a just transition to renewable energy.

According to the alliance, the appointment is a reaffirmation of GEAPP's commitment to realising greater change and opportunities to unlock green energy in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to power progress and secure an inclusive, resilient future for all.

Ravi Venkatesan, chairperson of the GEAPP Board, says, "Um's appointment marks an important milestone for GEAPP as we step up our commitment to catalysing a renewable energy movement, which will improve the lives of millions and help build a sustainable future for our planet."

"In our initial two years, the alliance has shown powerful progress in advancing the transition to green energy. In Um, we have a leader who comes from a key member of our alliance and brings a keen appreciation of the urgency of the mission and the need for collective action. Um's decision to join and lead GEAPP will propel us into an even brighter future together," adds Venkatesan.

The appointment of Um culminates a rigorous selection process and represents the beginning of a new phase for GEAPP as it builds on a successful track record that started with its launch at COP26 in 2021, says the alliance.

To date, GEAPP has invested USD$464-million of active capital in nearly 100 projects in almost 20 countries. It has built an alliance of over 50 partners driving a shared mission that is showing early evidence of transformational impact with:

  • 147 000 tons of CO2 emissions averted
  • 1.3 million people and businesses connected to new or improved energy systems, and
  • over 600 000 jobs and livelihoods supported (directly and indirectly) as cited in its second impact report Powering People & Planet.

Jessica Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, a founding partner of GEAPP alongside The Rockefeller Foundation and Bezos Earth Fund, says, "Um has deep experience in building diverse, trust-based coalitions that come together to deliver social and environmental impact at scale. Um's approach to leadership is rooted in his values and a long-standing commitment to making a positive impact on people and the planet. The IKEA Foundation is delighted to welcome him to his new role."

Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation, says, "At a moment when the world has finally realised the need to transition away from fossil fuels, Um is the innovative and proven executive GEAPP needs to ensure that everyone — not just the wealthiest countries and communities — can power their lives and futures with renewable energy."

GEAPP says that it is grateful to have had the dedicated and strong leadership of interim CEO Joseph Ng'ang'a, who guided the alliance and advanced its work to scale distributed renewable energy and battery energy storage systems across:

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Latin America, and
  • the Caribbean.

Effective Thursday, 1 August 2024, Ng'ang'a will hand over the role to Um, who will continue the alliance's pioneering work to scale new solutions, strengthen partnerships and facilitate access to an inclusive and resilient future for all, according to the alliance.

"The appointment of  Um as CEO of GEAPP is an inspired choice," says Dr Andrew Steer, president and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund. "The mission of GEAPP could not be more important, and Um brings to the task a highly distinguished track record as a leader, mentor and change agent."

"This appointment will add momentum to the pace of the energy transition in emerging and developing countries, where families and businesses will have better and safer access to power. We're proud to be a partner with GEAPP's collective movement to drive a just energy transition for all," Steer adds. 

"As we embark on this journey toward a greener future, we stand firm in our resolve to champion innovation and accessibility in the energy transition especially in emerging markets. Over the past two years, we have laid the foundation for GEAPP's continued growth and catalytic impact and I look forward to continuing our work with Um to deliver an even greater impact for people and planet together with our alliance partners," says Ng'ang'a, interim CEO of GEAPP.

According to the alliance, Um brings a wealth of experience from his 31-year career at the Asian Development Bank. As ADB's managing director general, he spearheaded global partnerships and funding mechanisms to transform economies and communities.

The alliance adds that Um's time at the ADB saw him driving the bank's sustainability agenda, putting environmental and renewable energy action plans at the heart of major development sectors, including:

  • health
  • education
  • agriculture
  • community resilience, and
  • humanitarian settings.

Prior to the ADB, he worked as a corporate computer systems specialist at Pitney Bowes and Pfizer in the United States of America, concludes the alliance. 

For more information, visit www.energyalliance.org. You can also follow GEAPP on LinkedIn, X or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of Canva